Scholarships

Scholarships cover full tuition plus books and a living stipend.

Army ROTC scholarships are awarded on a merit basis. Awards are based on the "whole person" concept and consider academic performance, athletic ability and leadership potential. Two-, three- and four-year scholarships are available. Army ROTC scholarships cover full tuition annually and provide $1,200 per year for textbooks, supplies and equipment as well as a living allowance of $3,000 to $5,000 each school year ($300 to $500 each month). The benefits for all scholarships are the same, the only difference being the duration of the benefits.

In addition to what the Army provides, all ROTC scholarship recipients who attend Western Michigan University and live on campus will receive an additional $3,000 per year from WMU to help offset the cost of their on-campus housing. This can be used toward either the residence halls or on-campus apartments like the Western View. All ROTC scholarship recipients should file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid annually, as receiving an ROTC scholarship does not preclude you from accepting other forms of financial aid.

To be eligible to receive an ROTC scholarship, a student must:

Be a U.S. citizen.

Be medically qualified.

Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. High school students must pass a personal fitness test.

Meet Army height and weight standards.

Be a full-time student.

Be no older than 31 years of age on Dec. 31 of the year in which they graduate from college.

Have a minimum GPA of 2.5. High school students must also have a minimum score of 19 on the ACT.

High school students may apply online for an ROTC scholarship beginning in June between their junior and senior years. The application window closes at the beginning of January in their senior year.

The typical high school scholarship recipient at WMU has a 3.5 GPA; scored a 25 on the ACT; played a high school varsity sport; and was a team captain, a student government leader, or held some other type of leadership position.

Applicants who are not high school students must apply in person at WMU's ROTC office. Contact Brett Johnson at brett.johnson@wmich.edu for more information.

Current soldiers

Two special categories of scholarship exist for current soldiers. These are the Green to Gold Scholarship for active duty soldiers and the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship for members of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Active duty soldiers should apply online, while Guard and Reserve Soldiers should contact Brett Johnson at brett.johnson@wmich.edu for more information.